Rewriting How Your Child Reads, Spells, and Learns.
Transforming Lives Through Teaching Reading Success
To help every child unlock the power of reading and become a confident, capable learner—and we promise to meet each child where they are with intentional, research-based instruction and unwavering support, guiding them to build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Changing the Trajectory of Struggling Readers
We believe that reading is the foundation for all learning—and every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable, and lifelong learner. When a child struggles with reading or writing, it can impact not only their academic progress but also their confidence and sense of self.
Our purpose is to change that trajectory.
With a commitment to research-based instruction and individualized support, we provide clear, structured pathways for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Using proven approaches like the Wilson Reading System® and structured literacy practices, our team of highly trained interventionists delivers explicit, systematic instruction that helps students truly understand how language works. We don’t just help students catch up—we help them build the skills they need to thrive.
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At the heart of our work is the belief that personalized instruction and consistent support can transform a child’s academic path—and their life. We meet each student where they are, providing the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to grow into accurate, fluent readers and confident communicators.
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Our promise is to see your child fully, teach with intention, and support them every step of the way. We are dedicated to building not only strong literacy skills, but also resilience, independence, and a renewed sense of confidence.
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At Retrain 2 Read, we’re not just teaching reading—we’re helping students unlock their potential and succeed in school and beyond.
Our Team
Our team of experienced and caring educators is our greatest asset, dedicated to nurturing every child's unique journey.
Missy Roberson
Founder and CEO; Wilson Certified Dyslexia Practitioner
I’m Melissa Roberson, founder of Retrain 2 Read, a structured literacy intervention practice, and Structured Literacy Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to effective literacy instruction for children both locally and around the world.
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With a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and over two decades of experience as a classroom teacher and private literacy specialist, I’ve devoted my career to helping children unlock the power of reading and grow into confident, capable learners. My work has also been shaped by years in children’s ministry and global outreach, where I’ve seen firsthand the impact that literacy—or the lack of it—can have on a child’s future.
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I am a Certified Practitioner of the Wilson Reading System (WRS), an intensive, research-based program grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Designed specifically for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges, WRS provides explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, word structure, fluency, and comprehension—equipping students with the skills they need not just to catch up, but to thrive.
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At Retrain 2 Read, we believe that reading is the foundation for all learning and lifelong curiosity. Our team of highly trained interventionists shares this commitment, delivering targeted, structured literacy instruction that builds strong readers, resilient learners, and lasting confidence.
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We’ve seen time and again that when students receive the right instruction and support, their trajectory changes—not only academically, but in how they see themselves and their future.
Tanya Neal
Wilson Trained Intervention Specialist
My name is Tanya Neal. I earned my teaching credential at California State University, Long Beach, and attained specialized certification in the Wilson Reading System. I went on to teach in the Garden Grove Unified School District, working with students across kindergarten through third grade. These formative classroom years gave me firsthand experience supporting diverse learners.
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As a mother of three, I have also observed similar challenges from a parent’s perspective. This dual lens—educator and parent—has deepened my understanding of how critical early support, patience, and targeted instruction are to a child’s long-term success. I am especially drawn to working with students who need additional support because I have seen how the right intervention at the right time can change a child’s trajectory. My goal is to help each student build confidence, close learning gaps, and develop the skills they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Linda Pelligreen
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Wilson Trained Intervention Specialist
Meet Linda Pelligreen. Linda brings over 20 years of teaching experience to Retrain 2 Read, along with a deep, personal passion for helping children learn to read. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, and her love for teaching began early as the eldest of six children. After high school, she played Division I volleyball while earning her degree in education.
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Linda’s journey into structured literacy became personal when her youngest son was diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade. Determined to find what truly works and what was best in class, she immersed herself in research and discovered the Wilson Reading System. Today, as our Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, she leads with both expertise and heart—helping shape our programs, train our team, and ensure every student receives high-quality, effective instruction.
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Her work is driven by a genuine commitment to building confidence, unlocking potential, and helping each child become a capable, lifelong learner.
Wilson Trained Intervention Specialist
Meet Emily Sheppard. Emily is a teacher and reading specialist with a strong passion for helping young learners build confidence and foundational literacy skills. Originally from Ohio, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College in 2023. Over the past three years, she has taught kindergarten at Newport Christian School in Newport Beach, CA, developing a deep understanding of early literacy and the importance of meeting students exactly where they are.
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In addition to her classroom experience, Emily is trained as an Intervention Specialist in the Wilson Reading System and has worked extensively with small groups using the Wilson Fundations and Ready to Rise programs. Her approach emphasizes structured literacy, explicit instruction, and a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow in both skill and confidence. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to become confident, capable readers.
Kara Hann
Wilson Trained Intervention Specialist
Meet Kara Hann. Kara is an Intervention Specialist at Retrain 2 Read, bringing a strong foundation in both classroom teaching and personalized instruction. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and has taught in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, as well as Guilderland, New York. Her experience as both an educator and a homeschooling parent has shaped her belief that every child can learn to read with the right support and approach.
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Kara is trained as an instructor in the Wilson Reading System and is passionate about helping students grow in both confidence and ability through structured, individualized instruction tailored to each learner’s needs.
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Outside of teaching, Kara enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and relaxing at the beach.
Emily Sheppard
Wilson Trained Intervention Specialist
Meet Emily Sheppard. Emily is a teacher and reading specialist with a strong passion for helping young learners build confidence and foundational literacy skills. Originally from Ohio, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College in 2023. Over the past three years, she has taught kindergarten at Newport Christian School in Newport Beach, CA, developing a deep understanding of early literacy and the importance of meeting students exactly where they are.
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In addition to her classroom experience, Emily is trained as an Intervention Specialist in the Wilson Reading System and has worked extensively with small groups using the Wilson Fundations and Ready to Rise programs. Her approach emphasizes structured literacy, explicit instruction, and a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow in both skill and confidence. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to become confident, capable readers.